Life cannot be solely based on music. Even if that is your area of love and passion there has to be more to your life than just music. Living a musical life ultimately as to involve more than just music.
The 'Price' of Musical Sucess
The music industry is riddled with individuals who have sacrificed their lives for the music. Perhaps this is why so many musicians die young. Many of the musicians we admire have acquired our admiration by losing every other part of themselves. Every aspect that makes them human is consumed by the unsatiably hungry entity of music. Sadly people believe they are simply living a musical life. But the results are actually quite concerning.
The Statistics of:
Living a Musical Life
While statistics may vary from reality they do at least provide an approximate snapshot of what's happening behind a musician's public life. With a variety of studies claiming that
- A little over 30% of musicians have struggled with an eating disorder
- 70% have struggled with depression and anxiety
- Musicians have a much higher divorce rate than non-musicians
- Being a musician greatly increases your propensity to drug and alcohol dependency and abuse
- On average musicians live 25 years less than non-musicians
- 23% of musicians will lose money to their musical endeavours
- Only 5% of musicians make a living from being a musician
I do not believe these ailments need to be a part of living a musical life. These unpleasant and confronting statistics should not put you off pursuing music. Music in and of itself is not actually to blame for any of these problems which in fact stem from our societal systems. Music is an important and necessary ingredient to life.
When Music Becomes a Problem
The problems come when music becomes the sole ingredient of your life. When it is your hobby, job, family, language, entertainment, idols, your measure of success and identity.
In order to truly live your life needs balance. If it is dominated by one thing then that one thing is what you are a slave to. Music is a cruel slave master. It will always demand more of you. When it does give to you it is only in meagre rations that leave you desperate for more. The next project, gig, album and so forth.
Life is Balance
Life is found in relationships
Life is found in listening to music, going to the theatre, watching dance and art
Life is maintaining a creative practice
Life is developed through self-discipline and practice
Life is being able to enjoy food in a healthy way
Life is having enough energy to not need to sleep all day
Life is found in books and stories
Life is experiencing a full palette of emotional depths
Life can hurt
Life is a balance of work, play and rest
Life is not tied to success, achievement and busyness
Life is not being consumed by any one activity
Life necessitates living mindfully
Life involves a spiritual connection
Life is ongoing education and learning
Life is both receiving help and giving help
Life is enjoying a variety of experiences but also celebrating the normal, routine, everyday moments
Life is having a healthy mind and a healthy body.
Life is full of beginnings and endings
Ultimately your life has to be so much more than just music. It's in living that you find the inspiration that feeds your music. Life is like a juggling act. We try carefully to balance all the balls. Sometimes we drop them and that is okay, dropping them is normal. The only thing that matter is that you pick them up and start again realising that every day presents you with a new opportunity to try again.